7 Reasons to Discover The Adirondacks This Summer

The Adirondacks is a 6 million-acre forest with more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails, 46 peaks over 4,000 feet, 1,200 miles of rivers and around 3,000 lakes and ponds. Not only does it appeal to fans of outdoor pursuits and those who seek solitude, but its small towns and villages offer restaurants, breweries, bars and shopping. Here’s what new this summer:

The region is a growing mountain biking destination. The Barkeater Trails Alliance, a non-profit comprised of mountain bikers and builders, works each year to build and maintain an ever-increasing network of single track trails that connect to Adirondack towns. By the end of this summer there will be 30 miles of new trails cut through the beautiful Adirondack woods for a total of 75 miles of trails surrounding the towns of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Wilmington. And Wilmington, nine miles from Lake Placid, has a main street with ride-from access to the trail systems that include beginner to expert trails, the region’s only dirt jump park, a 100-kilometer bike race and annual Bike Fest, and Whiteface Mountain with 2,400-foot downhill runs.

Trail biking. Photo: Visit Adirondacks

The Hotel Saranac recently underwent a major refurbishment. A downtown landmark since 1927, the property reopened in 2017 after a $35 million renovation to restore its Jazz Age roots. The main entrance has been converted into a covered passage that’s an homage to early 19^th-century Parisian shopping arcades and the Great Hall and the second-floor lobby and lounge is modeled after a medieval Florence palazzo.

Chalet Whiteface is a newly opened, 11-room boutique lounge and restaurant in Wilmington, New York, home to Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge and hiking and biking trails. Rooms are adorned with Adirondack-style log beds and have mountain views. The main lodge has wood-burning fireplaces and a library. Outside you’ll find fire pits and hammocks.

Hiking views. Photo: Visit Adirondacks

Campers can now reserve sites at the new Frontier Town state campground in the eastern section of the region. Ninety-one sites include 33 campsites for horseback riders, an RV area and more than 45 campsites total. A stay includes a day-use area on the shoreline of the Schroom River, and Paradox Brewery will soon open on premises.

Rafting. Photo: Visit Adirondacks

The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake opens this summer, which explores people’s connections to the mountains through exhibits, activities and collections. It has a Minnow Pond Trail to the ADKX Boathouse where visitors can rent a skiff, guideboat or canoe.

Lake-side views. Photo: Visit Adirondacks

Tupper Lake will offer outdoor performances at the new pavilion every week starting July 3, complete with a sunset view.

Kayaking. Photo: Visit Adirondacks

At Hemlock Hall in Blue Mountain Lake, guests can meet one another over dinner and have access to a private beach with boats. Activities include hiking, canoeing, boating and kayaking; add on a whitewater rafting guided trip nearby.

Activities with the kids: Photo: Visit Adirondacks